There isn't a whole lot to explain, other than the fact that the adapter is now basically set to deliver full audio quality to the video content played back on your Mac, and all through one HDMI cable. The previous version was held up because of manufacturing issues, so we'll have to see if this version suffers from the same difficulties. [Kanex]

Since we don't know anything about this keychain-esque DAP, we're left to guess based on the interesting ad, with its repetition of the "circle + square" tag. Is it a lost-in-translation attempt at our "square peg in a round hole" idiom? A nod to the design of the gadget itself, which is, in fact, a circle combined with a square? A hint at the future aesthetic of Cowon's players (which have certainly been more attractive lately; compare the blocky utilitarian square of the D2 with the sleek curves of the S9)?

I personally hope it doubles as a USB drive—I really miss the design of the first iPod Shuffle and the Sansa Express, low-profile DAPs with built-in USB. That was so convenient! But we'll have to wait for a real announcement from Cowon to figure out what's going on here. [DAPReview]

The lower half of the player is taken by a removable Burr-Brown amplifier, but can be easily removed and replaced with another amp, assuming the new amp fits. It's a pretty barebones PMP otherwise, though—we're talking no video support, not even any internal memory (supply your own with SDHC cards). It does support FLAC and WMA lossless, because really, what's the point otherwise, but this is one PMP aimed squarely at the audiophile market, especially with a price of $700 (or $600 if purchased before its release in June). An included, modular amp is a very cool idea, and certainly a lot of today's PMPs could benefit from the boost it would provide, we just wish it had a little more mass-market appeal. [Head-Fi via Engadget]

Both the Ibiza Rhapsody Mini and Ibiza Rhapsody Touch are equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities for content browsing and instant downloading. While they are still working on getting YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter accessibility, the Mini and Touch are already set to go with Rhapsody, Flick, Audible, and Internet radio.

Although both MP3 players will be 3.5x2.0x0.4 inches—and will come in sizes ranging from 8GB-32GB—the Mini has a 2.2-inch color screen with a four way d-pad and supports MP3, AAC and WMA, while the Touch is equipped with a 2.8-inch touch screen, bluetooth connectivity, and is able to play MPEG-4, H.264, VC-1 and DiVX 3/4/5, and stream stereo audio.

Stay tuned as there is still no word on pricing or release date. [CNet]

The S-series has a 2-inch QVGA screen, that not only plays back WMA, AAC and MP3 audio formats, but also WMV and MP4 video. SensMe is featured on a Walkman player for the first time, previously only on Sony Ericsson Walkman-branded phones. For those unfamiliar, the SensMe engine analyzes a song for various qualities and maps it on an X-Y chart. From there you can select what type of music you want to listen to according to "mood". The S-series is only 7.5mm thick, has 40 hours of audio playback and 10 hours of video playback on a single charge.

The E-series is Sony's mid-range Walkman offering, which features the same audio and video playback the S-series offers, but lacks the noise cancellation and SensMe features. Unlike the S-series, the E comes in multiple colors, including black, red, blue and pink. It has 45 hours of audio playback and 8 hours of video playback. The E-series is also available in 4 GB and 8 GB sizes.

The B-series is Sony's no-nonsense line of Walkman players that only play music. But in addition to audio playback, the B-series also serves as a voice recorder and FM radio. It has 16 hours of battery life and also comes in multiple colors like the E-series. The B-series plugs directly into your USB port for drag and drop file transfer and comes in 1 GB and 2 GB sizes.

All the players above are expected to be available in September. The 4 GB S-series will cost $150, while the 8 GB will cost $180. The 4 GB E-series will cost $100 and the 8 GB $140. Lastly, the 1 GB B-series will sell for $45 and the 2 GB will be $60. [Sony]

SONY RAISES THE CURTAIN ON NEW WALKMAN PLAYERS THAT DELIVER HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO AND VIDEO

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 28, 2008 – From noise-cancellation for frequent travelers to affordability for customers on a budget, Sony today unveiled three new Walkman® players (series S, E and B) that have something to offer nearly every customer segment.

“Whether the fit and finish, the engineering or the integration of unique technologies, each of these new series has different points of appeal,” said Mitch Li, product manager for Walkman players in the Digital Imaging and Audio Division at Sony Electronics. “These new Walkman players satisfy the need of consumers who don’t want to sacrifice sound quality for the digital music and MP3 experience.”

S-Series Walkman Players

The top-end, format-friendly Walkman S-series broadens options for enjoying tunes from multiple sources, including many download stores and personal music collections. The supplied Content Transfer software even simplifies “drag and drop” transfer of non-DRM music, videos, podcasts and playlists from online music services to Walkman players. If you’re migrating your personal collection of ripped tracks from another MP3 player, there’s no need to re-rip all your tunes from your CDs.

Support for popular audio and video codecs is enhanced because the S-series Walkman devices play Windows Media Video (WMV) files with DRM, allowing you to enjoy rights-protected movies and video clips from other media collections.

Additionally, the S-series Walkman players are the first MP3 players with Sony’s SensMe™ Channels function, which automatically creates channels that can align with a user’s preferences. Based on Sony’s SensMe Channels function, the S-series players analyze a user’s music collection and suggest channels based on each song’s speed, mood and rhythm. They create a choice of 11 themed channels from upbeat pop to emotional ballads.

In-Flight Noise Cancellation

Whether commuting, flying high or just listening to music at home, the new S-series Walkman players help diminish background noise while improving your overall listening experience. The top-end S-series Walkman players feature integrated active noise cancellation with supplied 13.5mm EX noise canceling headphones and an accessory cable that extends the noise canceling functionality of the device. On airplanes, travellers can – for the first time – connect the S-series player directly to a plane’s audio video system with the included accessory cable and enjoy regular in-flight entertainment with the bonus of high-quality noise cancellation.

Just 7.5mm thin, the super-light S-series is the slimmest Walkman player in any of the new series. It has a bright, high-contrast 2-inch QVGA LCD screen (measured diagonally) that has an ultra-quick response time, with smooth playback at up to 30 frames per second and selectable horizontal/vertical viewing. The interface can be personalized with the user’s choice of 10 pre-installed wallpaper images or their favorite digital photo.

E-Series Walkman Players

The E-series combines high-quality video and audio performance to create the perfect device for enjoying favorite photos and video clips. Like the S-series, all E-series models are format friendly, easily playing back ripped tracks from your personal music collection, music store downloads and rights-managed video clips. Non-DRM files can be transferred by “drag and drop” from online music services to Walkman players.

Support for popular audio and video codecs is enhanced because the E-series Walkman players can also support Windows Media Video (WMV) with DRM, allowing rights-protected movies and video clips from other media collections.

B-Series Walkman Players

The affordable entry-level Walkman B-series player offers the high-quality sound that users have come to expect from Sony. The ultra-portable devices can connect to your PC’s USB port for easy “drag and drop” file transfers. Like all other Walkman models, open support for Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MP3 codecs enables users to buy, copy and manage music to fit their needs.

The stylish design is enhanced by an illuminator that pulses in time with the music when the bass button is pressed. The device has an FM radio for enjoying favorite stations and a voice recorder that’s great for capturing memos, shopping lists or random thoughts while you’re on the move.

Battery Life

The battery life is up to 40 hours of music playback for S-series, up to 45 hours for the E-series and up to 16 hours for the B-series. The battery life is up to 10 hours of video playback for S-series, up to 8 hours for the E-series. The battery life is also up to 30 hours of audio playback for the S-series when the noise-cancellation feature is activated. Actual battery life may vary upon usage patterns, product settings, battery and environmental conditions.

Sony’s Open Platform Means More Choice

The E- and S-series Walkman players support an open platform, providing more choices for downloading and managing music and video collections online. The devices can support security-enhanced Windows Media Audio (WMA), as well as non-secure AAC, linear PCM and MP3 music formats plus JPEG files for photos, in addition to the WMV with DRM, AVC (H.264/AVC) Baseline Profile and MPEG-4 video codecs.

Pricing and Availability

The S-series of Walkman noise canceling video MP3 players come in two different storage capacities in black:

* The NWZ-S736F has approximately 4GB of internal storage and will cost about $150.
* The NWZ-S738F has approximately 8GB of internal storage and will cost about $180.

The E-series of Walkman video MP3 players will be available in the following configurations:

* The NWZ-E436F comes in black, red, pink, blue, has approximately 4GB of internal storage and costs about $100.
* The NWZ-E438F comes in black, red, pink, has approximately 8GB of internal storage, and costs about $140.

The B-series of Walkman MP3 players come in two different capacities and four colors:

* The NWZ-B133F player has approximately 1GB of internal storage; comes in black, red and blue and will cost about $45.
* The NWZ-B135F player has approximately 2GB of internal storage; comes in black, red and pink and will cost about $60.

Presales have begun for the new Walkman models online at www.sonystyle.com/walkman and at Sony Style stores. The players will be available in September across the country at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

It can record and play back in WAV, MP3 and WMA, and can take an expensive external mic if you want something a little hotter. Mercifully, it takes SD and SDHC cards (and not Olympus' proprietary xD ones), and can run 12 hours on two AA batteries. I would have preferred a lithium ion but there are always reusable alternatives. It even comes with Steinberg's Cubase music production software.

The only thing I'm truly wary of is the user interface—Olympus has given its recorders some supremely ugly interfaces in the past, and there's no indication that this will be any more intuitive than its predecessors. [Olympus]

Olympus LS-10 Recorder Delivers Superior Sound Quality and Professional Features to Musicians

True All-In-One Digital Portable Audio Device Lets Audiophiles Record in Uncompressed Linear PCM Format

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 3, 2008 - Olympus, the market leader for portable digital voice recorders and professional dictation devices, now leverages its audio expertise with the LS-10 Linear PCM Audio Recording Device, the ultimate portable professional recording tool for musicians and everyone who values high-quality recording. Straight out of the box, the intuitive and easy-to-use LS-10 delivers the high fidelity of a portable professional recording studio in an extremely light, go-anywhere body. No extra gear is required to record audio in uncompressed 24 bit/96 kHz Linear PCM format for digital stereo recordings true to the original performance. In addition to WAV, the LS-10 records and plays back in the common WMA and MP3 formats.

The LS-10 contains many unique and innovative features, including the following:

* Uncompressed 24 bit/96 kHz Linear PCM recording capability;
* WAV, MP3 and WMA recording and playback;
* Elegant and durable aluminum body;
* 2GB Built-in memory and a SD/SDHC removable media card slot that can accommodate SD cards;
* Built-in stereo speakers for instant playback of recordings;
* High sensitivity built-in stereo microphones;
* Manual Recording Level Adjustment to obtain the optimum level;
* Remote jack for optional wireless remote controller;
* Recording battery life of 12 hours; and
* Large 1.8-inch LCD with backlight.

"The LS-10 will bring music to the masses by allowing musicians and audio enthusiasts to produce studio-quality recordings," said Andrew Flagg, director, Sales and Marketing, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "As more and more people return to playing musical instruments themselves, the LS-10 will help them reach their true potential as performers and allow them to share their music with friends and family. Whether it is used by a band of amateur musicians or an orchestra, the LS-10 offers the best sound quality, ease of use, and feature set in the industry and produces recordings that are faithful to the original performance."

High Quality Recording

The LS-10 features uncompressed 24 bit/96kHz Linear PCM recording capability, to capture the rich sound quality of music performances. It has the versatility to record and play back in the WAV, MP3 and WMA formats. The LS-10 can record with its internal microphone or by plugging in an external microphone. The LS-10's value extends beyond the realm of music. Students will find it useful for recording lectures and journalists for recording high-quality interviews for broadcasts and podcasts.

Elegant and Intuitive Design

An enlarged, backlit LCD is easy to read and shows file information, recording time and events clearly. The device is outfitted with an ergonomic dial thumb pad allowing the user to play or stop a recording, adjust the volume level, fast-forward and rewind with the touch of one button. The Erase and Folder/Index buttons are positioned individually below the thumb dial for easy access.

Durability

The LS-10 has a lightweight and durable aluminum body. This keeps the weight of the LS-10 to a mere 5.8 ounces including batteries.

Memory Capacity and Expandability

The LS-10 has two gigabytes of internal flash memory to capture lengthy recordings. The LS-10 also features an SD/SDHC removable media card slot to further expand its capacity. During a busy day of recording, changing SD cards is an easy way for users to capture more audio without taking the time to download files to a computer.

Recording and Listening

The LS-10 can play back the high-quality audio it records and play it back on its built-in stereo speakers with vibrancy and clarity. These speakers allow more than one person to listen to a new recording simultaneously to help collaborating musicians evaluate recording progress on the fly.

Wireless Control

The optional exclusive wireless remote controller allows users to start and stop the recording of the LS-10 from a distance. This is ideal for live performances when the LS-10 can be placed near the stage and activated from several rows back.

Battery Life

The LS-10 can record 12 hours on two AA batteries, longer than many competing Linear PCM recorders and long enough for an all-day event.

Accessories

The LS-10 ships with Steinberg CUBASE LE 4 Sound editing software with 48 sound tracks and variety of effects, a carrying case, USB cable, audio cable, wind screen, two AA batteries, a strap, an instruction manual and Olympus warranty card.

Optional accessories for the LS-10 include an infrared remote control, AC adaptor, conference microphones (ME30W), Carrying Bag, Tripod, Rechargeable Battery (Ni-MH) and Charger, a zoom microphone, and a headset.

Pricing and Availability

The LS-10 provides excellent uncompressed audio recording at a fraction of the price of competing Linear PCM recorders. The LS-10 Digital Audio Device has an estimated street price of $399.99 (U.S.) and will be available in January 2008.

First, there's a $330 unit available in four colors, with 30GB hard drive and Bluetooth for wireless headphones and A2DP streaming. It will also have an FM radio and "custom skinning" for a personalized UI. Next up, in the "near future" will be a $230 4GB flash-based model, and a $250 8GB one. Neither of those will have Bluetooth. Prices don't include Rhapsody portable subscription, which at last check was $15 per month.

In addition to browsing all of Rhapsody's content, you can pick up free AOL Video clips, subscribe to podcasts directly from the device, and update firmware without going to a PC. [Rhapsody and Haier via Electronista]

As you might expect for something that costs so much, it holds between 1,156 and 2,200 CDs at full quality, and can be accessed via web interface throughout your home network. It's nice to hear that no installer is needed:

Setup and basic operation of the OPUS is similar to a standard CD Player, so you will be up and running within minutes. Even its integration into your home network, a nerve-wrecking task with so many other network music players, is done completely automatically, wirelessly if you wish.

Now check out the mainstream retail prices (from Amazon) between Seagate Barracuda 7200RPM ATA drives in those capacities:
• 400GB - $123
• 500GB - $124
• 750GB - $220

My calculator tells me it's less than $100 to go from 400GB to 750GB. But it costs an extra grand for the higher-capacity Opus. And the funny thing is, you know they can get the drives for even cheaper.

But hey, we should probably let rich old people have fun with their cool electronics. This might be just the thing to pear with Charlie's similarly named but unrelated Opus transparent speaker cables. [Olive]

With a passionate team, a breathtaking vision and the 'pat.pending' technology to 'graft' relevant advertising/messages to music and video downloads, we're all set to create a music download revolution.

I thought graft was for politicians and burn victims, but it also means 10 seconds of sponsorship at the beginning of every DRM-free 128-kilobit MP3, according to The Register. The report added that advertisers would pay We7 what sounds like an unreasonable £0.30 to £0.60 per download (that is, up to $1.20 per song) and that listeners could earn the right to skip the ad after listening to it a few times. How many times, exactly? Three, four or five.

While it's unclear what kind of label support We7 has, the site has posted free samples, including tracks from Coolio, Dave Matthews Band and Hall & Oates, though not, strangely enough, from Mr. Gabriel himself. All songs are tagged with 10-second We7 promos. They're not so bad. In fact they sound like radio station identifications. But let's face it, if advertisers are really going to cover your $1 per song, they will most likely craft 10-second ads that hit you like a sledgehammer. – Wilson Rothman

About We7 [We7 via The Register]

The Nokia 6315i is available now for $69.99 with a two-year contract. Cheap price for a basic, if not "cheap," cellphone. – Nicholas Deleon

http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/7085.html [infoSync World]

We auditioned the S10 with Diana Krall's You are Getting to be a Habit with Me. Highs and mids were detailed with ample warmth. There was also plenty of presence in terms of bass. On Massive Attack's Angel, the low end was strong and boomy.

Diana Krall? Way to be thoroughly dorky. Why not throw on Sha Na Na while you're at it?

Still no list price, but the iRiver S10 appears to be a winner. – Nicholas Deleon

iRiver S10 Review [CNet Asia]

The funny thing is, I don't even own an iPod, yet it seems like there's more and more accessories for the little player that could coming out every day. Right now, it's the iLuv i7500 2.1 channel audio system. While yesterday's iLuv i80 iPod Video Recorder was geared toward people who use the video functionality of their iPod with video, the i7500 brings everything full circle with an audio system that will hopefully sound as good as it looks.

The i7500 is available in iPod-matching black or white and comes with left and right channel speakers and a subwoofer (the ".1" in 2.1). There's a full-functioning, multiple iPod-compatable dock too, but that's to be expected from anything with a lowercase "I" at the start of its name nowadays. A remote control is also included in the package.

The little audio system not only plays back the docked iPod, but also digital audio files stored on SD/MMC/MS cards, USB devices and CDs, be they store-bought or filled with MP3s. An AM/FM radio rounds out its audio playback options.

The i7500 is listed as being available now and retails for $199.95. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [iLuv via iLounge]

Now, the MSSII isn't just a big, static hard drive that sits on your network, eagerly awaiting for you to load her up. Using a RAID 1 setup, you can mirror up to 500GB of data on an external drive. System disasters can be further avoided by using a software-based one-touch backup or, for those of you who need to live by a meticulous schedule, scheduled backups. It's kind of like "set it and forget it," but for MP3s and Xvids.

The Maxtor Shared Storage II should be available here before the end of the month for $899.95 retail. Time to break open that piggy bank. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Maxtor]

Wow. Yahoo and Linksys hit it hard yesterday, introducing a product that will stream music from your computer to your stereo for just $99. Called the Linksys Wireless-G Music Bridge, it's being marketed to go with Yahoo's digital music download service. As you might suspect, it's all done wirelessly, and it can be used with Yahoo's Music Engine—which lets you share your tunes via IM or transfer them to a DAP. And if you want an even cheaper price, Yahoo plans on offering a $20 rebate on the Wireless-G Music Bridge with a 1 year subscription to its music service.

Yahoo, Linksys offer link for digital music [Reuters]

Product page